College Q&A: Pirate orientation gives new students fun, interactive view of VC

By Eric Jensen
July 26, 2014 at 2:26 a.m.

My daughter just graduated from high school and plans to attend Victoria College this fall. Does VC offer an orientation event she and I can attend?

Yes, Pirate Orientation will take place the week of Aug. 11 as a fun, new way to introduce students to Victoria College.

Incoming freshmen are required to attend the new event, designed to help students succeed. New students will be unable to register for the fall semester without attending orientation.

"Orientation has been transformed to help students understand how they can become active participants in their own learning - an important focus of our Quality Enhancement Plan," said VC President Tom Butler.

New students should RSVP to attend any day Monday through Thursday on a first-come, first-served basis. Sessions are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:35 p.m., and lunch will be provided. At the end of the day, students will have registered for fall courses. Payments will be due Aug. 15.

During orientation, students will split into seven groups. Each group will attend interactive tracks on these topics:• Computer help desk, Pirate Portal and payments

After completing each track, students will be awarded a ticket to be used in a Friday drawing for prizes, including a Kindle Fire.

Orientation participants will return to campus from 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Aug. 15 to learn about VC's clubs, organizations, fine arts and sports. Family members are invited to join students that day, and there will be special breakout sessions specifically for parents and family members. Breakfast will be served Friday morning.

At noon, award-winning speaker and author Jon Vroman will discuss "Living College Life in the Front Row." Vroman encourages students to find and develop their unique talents so they can make the biggest impact within their campus and community.

After Vroman's talk, participants can take a campus tour, get a student ID, purchase books, learn about disability accommodations and tour VC's Veterans Center.

New students should RSVP for the orientation by visiting VictoriaCollege.edu and clicking on "Pirate Orientation."

For more information, call the Victoria College Call Center at 361-573-3291.

Do you have a question about Victoria College? Contact Eric Jensen, VC marketing and communications specialist, at 361-485-6835 or Eric.Jensen@VictoriaCollege.edu.